How can I recreate this flavor ?!


Question: Anyone who's ever walked around NYC before has definitely passed by at least a few of those Middle Eastern -type food stands where they sell things like lamb and chicken over rice, or kabobs, and things like that. Sometimes theyre called "Halal" stands. My question is, what can I use at home to make that delicious smell that these stands give off?? Anyone know the recipe?? Thanks!


Answers: Anyone who's ever walked around NYC before has definitely passed by at least a few of those Middle Eastern -type food stands where they sell things like lamb and chicken over rice, or kabobs, and things like that. Sometimes theyre called "Halal" stands. My question is, what can I use at home to make that delicious smell that these stands give off?? Anyone know the recipe?? Thanks!

Oh hi again. I just answered this same question. This is what I answered:
Not saying you don't know, but just to clarify in case others aren't sure, Halal has nothing to do with what spices are used...it's along the same lines as Kosher.
are used...it's along the same lines as Kosher.
In Middle Eastern cooking there are many different spices used...you may be smelling cumin and cinnamon in the meat dishes. Or coriander, sumac and saffron. Those spices are beautiful in the recipes. But it's also the cooking with onions and garlic. The simple combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic, onions, salt and pepper are the basic marinades...then spices are added.

But I didn't notice that you asked for a recipe. I'll get one for you.

Lemon Chicken Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
1 whole chicken
1 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon saffron
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lemon sliced
zest from 1/2 lemon
1 onion quartered
PREPARATION:
In a small bowl, combine oil, ginger, coriander, and saffron.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over uncooked chicken. Then, rub oil and spice mixture all over chicken. You can use a basting brush or your hands.
Place chicken in a baking dish, breast side up. Place two slices of lemon on top, and lemon zest inside the cavity. Add one of the onion quarters to the cavity, also.
Place remainder lemon slices and onion around the chicken in the baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 2-2 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. Check package instructions for approximate cooking time per pound for your chicken.

Lamb Shish Kebab
Lamb shish kebabs are easy to make and are very tender, This recipe for lamb shish kebab is easy, requires few ingredients, and is perfect for dipping.
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. lamb fillet
2 medium onions
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil
PREPARATION:
Cut lamb fillet into 1 inch cubes. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cut onions into eights. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as well.
Lightly oil skewers with cooking oil. Thread lamb and onions onto skewers, alternating.
Sprinkle kebabs with olive oil.

Spray grill with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place lamb kebabs on grill. Cook for about 5 minutes each side, or until lamb is lightly browned.

Serve lamb kebabs with fresh vegetables, hummus, baba ghannouj.

Its the oils in which they fry their food in, might be able to find out more info at the oriental section in your supermarket.

Try a seasoning called Adobo. It will really give off that smell.

Middle Eastern cuisine uses quite a few spices, including the following: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, allspice, caraway, turmeric, nutmeg and fresh mint, dill and parsley. Garlic and onion are used generously and when fried firts add considerably to the fragrance of foods. Sesame seeds and paste (tahini) are a frequent ingredient. Meats may be flavoured with red pepper and sumak. If you don't have all the above spices and don't feel like investing in them (though they are useful in other cuisines, too) you may like to start out with a spice mix called baharat, this contains several of the above spices in proportions which vary from region to region (or manufacturer).
BTW the word Halal simply means that the meat was slaughtered according to Islamic religious rules, it is similar to the Jewish Kosher.





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